Ru-TsDPEN with formic acid/Hunig's base for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, a practical synthesis of optically enriched N-propyl pantolactam.

The Noyori-Ikariya catalysts, Ru-TsDPEN 1 or 2, in combination with HCOOH/Hunig's base (5:2) have been successfully utilized for catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alpha-ketopantolactam, and optically enriched N-substituted pantolactam was prepared (S/C = 500, up to 95% ee and 99% conversion in HCOOH/Hunig's base condition). More than 2 kg of this key intermediate 9 has been synthesized efficiently with excellent chemical yield and chiral purity.